Racing for Ryan - Ironman for Mental Health

A few weeks ago - I lost a best friend, colleague, and genuine brother of mine to a tragic battle with mental health.

To say that the impact Ryan Harber made on my life and to the lives of so many others is immeasurable, would be an understatement. He was a force: a brilliant mind, an elite athlete, a talented musician, and above all, a remarkable friend. Humble beyond belief, and relentlessly himself. To those who knew him, especially our Darktrace family, his loss is deeply felt, and some of my fondest memories from around the world will live on forever with him.

Male mental health remains one of the most under-discussed and misunderstood challenges of our time. It’s heartbreaking how many men, even those closest to us, suffer in silence. Ryan’s passing is a devastating reminder of that reality.

As I gear up for my next Ironman 70.3 this November - I’ll be racing in his honor - in Antalya, Turkey - a country that held a special spot in Ryan’s heart. One of our last conversations was about this very race. That was who Ryan was: endlessly supportive of his friends and their wildest ambitions. It feels only right to carry his spirit with me across every mile.

I’m dedicating this race to Ryan, and raising funds for something deeply meaningful - suicide prevention and mental health research. As a Stanford Alum, Ryan’s family found an incredible program led by the Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, specifically the work being done by the Williams PanLab. Their research resonates deeply with my own educational background, as it focuses on the neuroscience of depression, with a strong emphasis on advancing our understanding of male mental health and developing better interventions.

If Ryan’s life touched you, or if you believe, like I do, that we need to break the silence around male mental health, I invite you to support this cause. Every donation goes directly toward critical research aimed at saving lives.

Let’s honor Ryan’s legacy by helping others like him find the support they need.

With Love & Appreciation,

SG